Method and system for managing delayed user authentication

ABSTRACT

A system and methods for coordinating the operation of a client security module and a host security module on a mobile electronic device. The modules communicate with each other through a platform abstraction layer using application programming interfaces to coordinate their activities. In particular, on start-up of the device, the host security module obtains user authorization input from a user and passes the input to a client operating system for validation. Once validated, the host security module unlocks the host-side of the device. At the same time, the client operating system sends a notice or request to the client-side virtual machine requesting that the client-side be unlocked. Once the virtual machine is initialized and available it launches the client security module and unlocks the client-side. During the delay while the virtual machine loads, the user is given access only to the host applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/302,154 filed Dec. 14, 2005 which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/984,822, filed Nov. 10, 2004 which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/592,141, filed Jul. 30, 2004, each of which prior applications are incorporated by reference in the detailed description hereof.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present application relates to a client application operating upon a third-party host device and, in particular, coordinating the operations of a client security module and a host security module.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Successful client applications providing a particular functionality are often desirable additions to third-party devices directed to related but different functions. For example, mobile telephones, which typically provide voice call capability and text messaging functions, may find it advantageous to incorporate a client application provided by another entity that enables the mobile phone to be used for wireless data communication. In one example, the client application may enable e-mail communications using the mobile phone.

Placing an existing client application on a mobile phone having its own architecture and operating platform may result in conflicts between specific modules within the client application and certain modules operating within the mobile phone host system. For example, the client application may include a security module for implementing a set of client security policies. The mobile phone may feature its own host security module for implementing its security features. The security features implemented by the host security module for the mobile phone may differ or conflict with the security policies implemented by the client security module. Accordingly, there is a need to ensure that the client security module and the host security module coordinate their security activities to maintain an adequate level of data security.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached FIGS., wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile electronic device and a communications system;

FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows software architecture for a mobile electronic device, such as the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows, in flowchart form, a method for coordinating a client security module and a host security module;

FIG. 4 shows, in flowchart form, a method for unlocking a mobile device on start-up; and

FIG. 5 shows, in flowchart form, another embodiment of a method for unlocking a mobile device on start-up.

Like reference numerals are used throughout the FIGS. to denote similar elements and features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application describes a system and methods for coordinating the operation of a client security module and a host security module. The modules communicate with each other through a platform abstraction layer using application programming interfaces to coordinate their activities. In particular, the client security module instructs the host security module when to unlock the device, and the host security module alerts the client security module to attempts to lock or unlock the device.

In one aspect, the present application provides a method for coordinating a client security module with a host security module, wherein both modules are resident on a mobile electronic device. The method includes the steps of detecting a lock event; implementing a first lock operation by one of the client security module and the host security module; sending a lock command from the one of the client security module and the host security module to the other of the client security module and the host security module; and initiating a lock operation at the other of the client security module and the host security module in response to the lock command.

In another aspect, the present application provides a method for coordinating a client security module with a host security module, wherein both modules are resident on a mobile electronic device. The method includes the steps of receiving a user security input; validating the received user security input; performing a first unlock operation by one of the client security module and the host security module; sending an unlock command from the one of the client security module and the host security module to the other of the client security module and the host security module; and initiating a second unlock operation at the other of the client security module and the host security module in response to the unlock command.

In yet another aspect, the present application provides a mobile electronic device. The device includes a host operating system and a host security module, wherein the host operating system and the host security module are resident on a host-side of the device. The device also includes a client application, the client application including a client security module, wherein the client application is resident on a client-side of the device. An abstraction interface layer is provided between the client-side and the host-side, the abstraction layer including a plurality of application programming interfaces for exchanging communications between the client security module and the host security module.

In a further aspect, the present application provides a method for unlocking a mobile electronic device. The device has a host operating system and a client operating system layer. The host operating system runs a host security module and the device includes a virtual machine running on the client operating system layer. The device includes memory storing protected client data. The host operating system supports at least one host application. The method is initiated on start-up of the device, which triggers the launch of the virtual machine. The method includes the steps of, after the initiation of start-up and before completion of the launch of the virtual machine, the host security module receiving user authentication input and passing the user authentication input from the host security module to the client operating system layer with a validation request. The client operating system layer authenticates the user authentication input and notifies the host security module of a successful authentication. The host security module unlocks access to the at least one host application, thereby enabling user access to the at least one host application and the client operating system layer sends a message to the virtual machine regarding the authenticated user input. On completion of the launch of the virtual machine, the method includes the step of the virtual machine unlocking the protected client data in response to the message, thereby enabling user access to the protected client data.

In yet a further aspect, the present application provides a mobile electronic device. The device includes memory storing protected client data and a host operating system supporting at least one host application. It also includes a host security module, wherein the host operating system and the host security module are resident on a host-side of the device, and wherein the host security module includes a component for receiving user authorization input from a user after initiation of start-up of the device. The device includes a client entity including a client operating system layer and a virtual machine, wherein the client entity is resident on a client-side of the device, and wherein the client operating system layer includes a password validator for authenticating the user authorization input, and wherein the start-up of the device triggers the launch of the virtual machine. The device also includes an abstraction interface layer between the client-side and the host-side. The abstraction layer includes a plurality of application programming interfaces (APIs) for exchanging communications between the client operating system layer and the host security module, and the APIs include a validation request callable by the host security module for passing the user authentication input to the client operating system layer. The client operating system layer includes a component for notifying the host security module of a successful authentication. The host security module has a host unlocking component for unlocking access to the at least one host application prior to completion of the launch of the virtual machine in response to the notification of the successful authentication, and the client operating system layer includes a request component for sending a message to the virtual machine regarding the successful authentication. The virtual machine includes a client unlocking component for unlocking the protected client data in response to the message after completion of the launch of the virtual machine, thereby enabling user access to the protected client data.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium storing computer executable instructions for unlocking a mobile electronic device. The device has a host operating system and a client operating system layer, and the host operating system runs a host security module. The device includes a virtual machine running on the client operating system layer and it includes memory storing protected client data. The host operating system supports at least one host application. The computer executable instructions implement an unlocking process initiated on start-up of the device, which triggers the launch of the virtual machine. The computer executable instructions include computer executable instructions for execution after the initiation of start-up and before completion of the launch of the virtual machine, that include instructions for receiving user authentication input and passing the user authentication input from the host security module to the client operating system layer with a validation request, instructions for authenticating the user authentication input at the client operating system layer and notifying the host security module of a successful authentication, instructions for unlocking access to the at least one host application, thereby enabling user access to the at least one host application, and instructions for sending a message from the client operating system layer to the virtual machine regarding the authenticated user input. The computer executable instructions also include computer executable instructions for execution on completion of the launch of the virtual machine, including instructions for unlocking the protected client data in response to the message, thereby enabling user access to the protected client data.

Other aspects and features of the present application will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following detailed description and drawings depicting one or more embodiments.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is a block diagram of a communication system 100 and mobile electronic device 10 to which example embodiments of the present application may be applied. The communication system 100 includes mobile electronic devices 10 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1), a wireless network 110 for communicating with the mobile electronic devices 10, and a wireless network gateway 115 for interfacing the wireless network 110 with a Wide Area Network (WAN) 120.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the mobile electronic device 10 is a hand-held two-way mobile communication device 10 having at least data and possibly also voice communication capabilities. In an example embodiment, the device has the capability to communicate with other computer systems on the Internet. In various embodiments, mobile electronic devices 10 includes data communication devices, multiple-mode communication devices configured for both data and voice communication, mobile telephones, mobile communication devices, PDAs enabled for wireless communications, 1-way or 2-way pagers, wireless modems operating in conjunction with computer systems, and any type of mobile wireless communication devices. In the presently described embodiment, each of the mobile electronic devices 10 is configured to operate within the wireless network 110. It should be appreciated however that the present application is in no way limited to these example types of devices and may be implemented in other devices. Example embodiments may also be applied to non-wireless enabled devices.

The device 10 includes a communication subsystem 11, including a receiver, a transmitter, and associated components such as one or more, preferably embedded or internal, antenna elements, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP). In some embodiments, the communication subsystem includes local oscillator(s) (LO). As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of communications, the particular design of the communication subsystem 11 will be dependent upon the communication network in which the device is intended to operate.

Signals received by the antenna through a wireless communication network 110 are input to the receiver, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection and the like, and in some embodiments, analog to digital conversion. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding for example, by the DSP and input to the transmitter for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over the communications network 110 via the antenna.

The device 10 includes a microprocessor 38 that controls the overall operation of the device. The microprocessor 38 interacts with communications subsystem 11 and also interacts with further device subsystems such as the display 22, flash memory 24, random access memory (RAM) 26, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 28 (which may include a thumb-wheel, for example), serial port 30, keyboard or keypad 32, speaker 34, microphone 36, a short-range communications subsystem 40, and any other device subsystems generally designated as 42.

Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 1 perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as keyboard 32 and display 22 for example, may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over a communication network, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list.

Host operating system software 54 and various host software applications 58 used by the microprocessor 38 are, in one example embodiment, stored in a persistent store such as flash memory 24 or similar storage element. Host software applications 58 may include a wide range of applications, including a text messaging application, a ring tone application, a contacts application, and/or a game application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the host operating system 54, specific host applications 58, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM 26. It is contemplated that received communication signals may also be stored to RAM 26.

The microprocessor 38, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of host software applications 58 on the device. A predetermined set of host applications 58 which control basic device operations, including at least voice communication applications for example, will normally be installed on the device 10 during manufacture. Further applications may also be loaded onto the device 10 through the network 110, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 28, serial port 30, short-range communications subsystem 40 or any other suitable subsystem 42, and installed by a user in the RAM 26 or a non-volatile store for execution by the microprocessor 38. Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of the device 10 and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both.

In a communication mode, a received signal such as a voice call, a text message, or web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem 11 and input to the microprocessor 38, which will preferably further process the received signal for output to the speaker 34 or the display 22, or alternatively to an auxiliary I/O device 28. A user of device 10 may also compose data items such as text messages for example, using the keyboard 32 in conjunction with the display 22 and possibly an auxiliary I/O device 28. Such composed items may then be transmitted over a communication network through the communication subsystem 11.

The serial port 30 in FIG. 1 would normally be implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization with a user's desktop computer (not shown) may be desirable, but is an optional device component. Such a port 30 would enable a user to set preferences through an external device or software application and would extend the capabilities of the device by providing for information or software downloads, including user interface information, to the device 10 other than through a wireless communication network.

A short-range communications subsystem 40 is a further component which may provide for communication between the device 10 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the subsystem 40 may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly enabled systems and devices.

Wireless mobile network 110 is, in an example embodiment, a wireless packet data network, (e.g. Mobitex™ or DataTAC™), which provides radio coverage to mobile electronic devices 10, although it could be any other types of wireless networks. Wireless mobile network 110 may also be a voice and data network such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) and GPRS (General Packet Radio System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), or various other third generation networks such as EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems).

The device 10 includes a host security module 62. The host security module 62 may be one of the host software applications 58 resident on the device 10. The host security module 62 implements security measures in accordance with the security policies of the device 10. For example, the host security module 62 may monitor idle time of the device 10 and display a security screen, i.e. screen saver, if an idle threshold time is exceeded. In some embodiments, the host security module 62 may permit a user to lock the keyboard or keypad 32. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other security or locking features may be implemented by the host security module 62. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the host security module 62, while depicted as a distinct entity in FIG. 1, may be spread across multiple entities. For example, the host security module 62 may comprise a module for monitoring idle time, a module for displaying a security screen for blocking device access, and a module for locking the keypad. In various embodiments, these or other modules may be stand-alone modules, may be implemented within the host operating system 54, or may implemented within one or more of the host software applications 58. It will be appreciated that references herein to the host security module are intended to encompass all of these variations and alternatives.

In addition to the host applications 58 resident on the device 10, a client entity 60 is included with the device 10. The client entity 60 may be, for example, a wireless data communication entity. The wireless data communication entity may, for example, enable the receipt and transmission of electronic messages. In one embodiment, the wireless data communication entity may provide for electronic messaging, i.e. E-mail, that is synchronised and co-ordinated with a remote electronic messaging server, wherein the remote electronic messaging server is coupled to the WAN 120 at a remote location. Electronic messaging functions provided by the wireless data communication entity may include composing messages, saving messages, and displaying messages. Other functions or features may include a contacts list or directory, a calendar application, a task list application, a web browser, and other modules or applications. The client entity 60 is a self-contained stand-alone entity that may have been designed to operate upon a specific ‘native’ device, as will be described in greater detail below.

The client entity 60 is typically created and developed by a separate provider than the remainder of the mobile electronic device 10. The client entity 60 is also typically associated with a native environment or device in association with which it was originally developed. Accordingly, the client entity 60 includes the functions and features associated with its operation on its native device, but packaged as a stand-alone software entity designed to run on top of a third-party platform in a third-party device. To enable the client entity 60 to interact and exchange messages and events with the host operating system 54 and/or the host security module 62 and other host applications 58, the device 10 may further include an abstraction layer 64. The abstraction layer 64 contains or defines a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) that may be used by the client entity 60 or by the host operating system 54 and/or host security module 62 and/or the host applications 58 to exchange instructions, messages or events between the host-side of the device 10 and the client entity 60.

Although the set of APIs is depicted in FIG. 1 as being contained in the abstraction layer 64, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the APIs that make up the abstraction layer 64 need not be collected and contained within a single library or file. It will also be appreciated that the term “application programming interface” in this context is intended to encompass a wide range of inter-process communications taking many forms. For example, in one embodiment, the APIs may comprise defined functions that are called by a process. In another embodiment, the APIs may comprise the posting of messages from one process to another process. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the range of possible interfaces that may be employed for inter-process communication. References herein to “calling” an API are not intended to limit the scope of the operation to calling a predefined function, but instead are intended to encompass all possible forms of interfacing.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which diagrammatically shows software architecture 150 for a mobile electronic device, such as the device 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the client entity 60, the host security module 62, and the host applications 58 operate on top of the host operating system 54 layer.

The client entity 60 includes a client operating system layer 70. The client operating system layer 70 may, under some definitions, not be considered an “operating system” per se, but instead may be referred to as an I/O management layer or a platform. The client operating system layer 70 manages certain basic functions for the client entity 60, including file structure and I/O. The client operating system layer 70 provides an independent platform upon which client-specific applications can run.

On top of the client operating system layer 70, the client entity 60 may include a virtual machine 72, within which various client applications 76 operate. In one embodiment, the virtual machine 72 is a Java™ virtual machine. The client applications 76 may include applications for facilitating wireless communication functions, such as electronic messaging. In one embodiment, one of the client applications 76 includes an e-mail application program that allows the user to receive, read, compose and send e-mail messages. In some embodiments, the client entity 60 may operate the e-mail application program as a part of a push-service that relays e-mail messages from an enterprise server at a remote location to the device 10, so as to provide the user with real-time e-mail mobility. Other client applications 76 may include instant messaging application programs, contacts programs, web-based browser programs, and others.

The virtual machine 72 may also include a client security module 74 for managing the security features of the client entity 60. For example, the client security module 74 may implement a password lock-out function, whereby the client entity 60 and related data are inaccessible to a user without entering a valid password. In another embodiment, the client security module 74 may implement a “keypad” locking system requiring a certain keystroke sequence or key combination to unlock the keypad or keyboard. The client security module 74 may include a user interface for receiving a user password, i.e. in some situations, the client security module 74 may display popup dialogs, accept password input, and control when the dialog popup is removed from the display.

The system software architecture 150 further includes the platform abstraction layer 64. The platform abstraction layer 64 may be notionally divided into a host-side platform abstraction layer 64 a and a client-side platform abstraction layer 64 b. The platform abstraction layer 64 enables the communication of messages and events back and forth between the client entity 60 and the host operating system 54 and/or the host security module 62 and/or the host applications 58. The platform abstraction layer 64 may be implemented through use of one or more APIs. The platform abstraction layer 64 allows the client entity 60 to operate on a platform-independent basis from the host operating system 54, the host applications 58, and the host security module 62.

The client security module 74 typically implements a set of security features to protect the user data and other data associated with the client entity 60, shown in FIG. 2 as client data 82. For example, the client security module 74 may encrypt or decrypt the client data 82 when the device 10 is locked or unlocked, respectively. In its native environment, the client security module 74 may maintain a certain level of security with regard to the client entity 60 that differs from the security normally associated with the device 10 as provided by the host security module 62. The host security module 62 may implement security features that are inadequate for the level of security wanted by the client entity 60. Because some client data 82 associated with the client entity 60 may be mirrored or copied to storage on the host-side of the device 10, some coordination between the security modules 62, 74 may be needed to ensure adequate security protection for the client data 82. In particular, the client security module 74 and the host security module 62 coordinate their activities so as to lock and unlock the device 10 in accordance with the same security policies.

It will be appreciated that certain functions of the device 10 continue to operate in spite of the locks although the user cannot access the applications 60, 58. For example, where the client entity 60 comprises a wireless data communication application, the wireless data communication application may continue to communicate with a wireless network to receive and/or exchange data.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows, in flowchart form, a method 200 of coordinating operation of separate security modules on a mobile device. The method 200 is based upon a device having a client application with a client security module that implements a password protection feature. The device also has a host security module that implements a screen saver mode. It will be appreciated that the security modules may implement alternative or additional security features. For example, the host security module may implement a keypad lock feature.

The method 200 begins with the presumption that the device is in an unlocked state. At step 202, the device determines if a client lock has been initiated by a user or a remote administrator. The client security module may allow a user to select a ‘lock device’ operation, for example from a menu. If the device, or more particularly, the client application, receives a client instruction or a remote administrator instruction to perform a client lock, then the method 200 continues to step 208. If not, then it continues at step 204, wherein the device assesses whether it has received a host lock instruction.

The host operating system may recognize various events as constituting a host lock instruction. For example, if the device is idle for a set period of time, it may trigger a host lock. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the idle timeout may need to be monitored by the host operating system, rather than the client application, since the client application may not always be in foreground on the device. Other applications may have control of the device processor. Accordingly, the client application may not be able to monitor for idle timeout in all situations. Therefore, an idle timeout may be determined by the host operating system. An idle timeout may be a host lock instruction event under step 204. There may be other events that are defined as host lock instructions. For example, a particular user key combination may trigger a host lock. If no host lock instruction is detected in step 204, then the method 200 continues to await a client or host lock event.

If a host lock instruction is received in step 204, then in step 206 the occurrence of the lock event is communicated to the client application. In particular, the host operating system communicates with the client application through the platform abstraction layer. In other words, it calls an API designed to alert the client application to the receipt of a host lock event. Once this API is called, then the method 200 continues in step 208.

In step 208, the client application starts the client security module. It recognizes the need to start the client security module from either the user selection of a client lock in step 202 or the notification received as a result of the API called by the host operating system in step 206. Once the client security module is brought up, then in step 210 the client security module implements a client lock. At step 212 the client security module then relays a message back down to the host operating system or the host security module to instruct them to perform their own lock operations. This step 212 involves calling an API to trigger the host operating system to implement a host lock, or to launch the host security module so as to implement a host lock. Accordingly, having locked the client application in step 210 control is now passed back to the host side of the device to perform a host lock. At step 214, the host lock is implemented. In one embodiment, the host lock comprises displaying a security screen, i.e. a screen saver. In other embodiments, it may include implementing a keyboard or keypad lockout as an alternative to, or in addition to, the security screen. Once the host security module implements the host lock the user is denied access to the host applications until the user performs a set of actions to unlock the device (as described below). Typically the security screen remains in the foreground until the user performs certain actions to begin unlocking the device, thereby preventing the user from accessing any host applications without satisfying the security requirements.

Following step 214, the device is in a locked state. Having detected a lock event, either on the client side or on the host side, the device has been placed in a locked state by first implementing a client lock to prevent access to the client application, and by then activating the host lock to prevent access to any of the host applications.

In some cases, the client application may demand greater security than the host device. Accordingly, it may have more robust security measures. However, running the client application on top of the host operating system may expose certain areas of the client application, such as for example client data stored in memory. Under some circumstances, it may be possible to access information or operations despite the existence of client security measures. Accordingly, the remaining steps of the method 200 ensure that a user cannot disable the host lock without first satisfying the client unlocking procedure.

When in a locked state, the device displays the security screen and the host operating system or the host security module awaits entry of a keystroke in step 216. In some embodiments, the host security module implements a keypad or keyboard lock when the device is in a locked state. A particular key sequence, such as pressing the hash ‘#’ key for a predetermined length of time or pressing a combination of keys, may be required to unlock the keyboard. In an embodiment wherein the host security module implements a keypad lock, then in step 216 the host security system evaluates whether the received keystroke detected by the host operating system satisfies the keypad unlocking requirements. If the detected keystroke does not meet the requirements, then it is ignored and the device continues to await a proper keystroke or key sequence. If the detected keystroke is the appropriate key sequence, then the host security module unlocks the keypad and proceeds to step 218.

At step 218, the host security module (or in some embodiments, the host operating system) alerts the client application to the receipt of a keystroke. In particular, the host security module calls an appropriate API to notify the client security module of the receipt of the keystroke. In one embodiment, wherein the host security application does not implement a keypad lock, the API passes the received keystroke to the client security module so that the client security module may use the received keystroke as the first character of a user-entered password. Either the client security module or the API called by the host security module may evaluate whether or not the received keystroke makes sense as a password character. For example, the entry of a directional key, like a down arrow, may be ignored by the client security module or it may cause a menu or options list to be displayed; whereas the entry of a text character may be treated as the first character of a password. When the host security module (or host operating system) calls the API to alert the client security module to the receipt of the keystroke, then control passes to the client security module.

The client security module brings a user password entry screen to the foreground on the display of the device and awaits entry of a user password. At step 220, the client security module may, in some embodiments, determine if the user has elected to cancel the password entry operation, i.e. has decided to leave the device locked. Some embodiments of the client security module may recognize a particular key combination or keystroke as a “cancel” command. The client security module may also timeout if a password is not entered after a predetermined duration. For example, if no keystrokes are received by the client security module for two minutes, then it may be deemed to have timed out. Upon cancellation or time-out, the client security module may restore control to the host security module in step 222, whereupon the host security module re-establishes its security features, such as a keypad lock and display of a screen saver. The client security module may pass control to the host security module by calling the lock command API, as was called in step 212. The device is thus returned to a locked state and waits in step 220 for entry of a keystroke.

If the user does not indicate a cancellation or time out, then the client security module evaluates the password entered by the user in step 224. If the password is invalid, then the client security module applies its password retry policies in step 226 to determine whether or not the user is entitled to retry the password entry. The policies may establish a maximum number of attempts. In some embodiments, as shown by step 228, after the maximum number of attempts is reached, the device is disabled through a “kill device” operation in which the user data stored on the device is deleted. This may also involve calling a kill API to cause the host operating system or the host security module to delete or wipe particular user data from the system. Other actions may be taken in addition to or as an alternative to the “kill operation” in response to a maximum number of password attempts.

If the password is valid, then the method 200 continues as step 230, wherein the client security module unlocks the client-side of the device. This may include, for example, decrypting client data stored in memory on the device in an encrypted format. In step 232, the client security module then passes control to the host security module with instructions to unlock the device. It may pass control by calling a host unlock API to alert the host security module to the successful entry of a password for unlocking the device. The client security module may also close after unlocking the client-side of the device. In step 234, the host security module performs operations necessary to unlock the host-side of the device, such as closing or minimizing a screen saver or other actions. The host security module may then be closed in step 236.

Following step 236, the device is in an unlocked state and the method 200 returns to step 202 to await the initiation of further lock operations.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the method 200 may include other steps or actions to accommodate devices or security module having different features. For example, the security modules may permit the user to make E911 emergency calls while the device is locked. Accordingly, at around step 220, the client security module may detect a user selection of an E911 emergency call. This may be a selectable menu action item presented to the user on the client password entry interface screen. When the user selects an E911 emergency call, the client security module may call an E911 API to instruct the host operating system or other host applications to place the emergency call, despite the locked state of the device.

It will also be appreciated that the user or another entity, such as a client administrator, may elect to change the idle timeout value or other relevant configuration values or options. If the timeout value is changed, for example by the user through a menu option presented by the client application, then the client application calls an idle timeout change API to instruct the host operating system to update the idle timeout value, since this value is monitored by the host operating system. The current idle timeout value may be communicated to the host operating system by the client application upon start-up of the device through the call of the same or a similar API.

Other variations to the method 200 will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing description.

In one embodiment, the unlocking operation on start-up may differ from the unlocking operation described in the method 200 shown in FIG. 3. When powering on a mobile device, it may power up in a locked state. The start-up or power-on process may, in some embodiments, take an unacceptable length of time. In particular, it may take an unacceptable length of time for the Java Virtual Machine to load and for the client security module to be started. Until the JVM and the client security module are started, the user cannot enter a password to enable the device. The result is that the user is unable to use the mobile device, even for host applications, such as mobile telephony, until the client applications are loaded and available.

The client security module typically performs password verification by calling a validation function. The password information is stored in persistent storage on the device and the validation function is designed to compare user input information with the stored password information. The validation function does not depend on initialization of the client security module to be accessible. Accordingly, in one embodiment, an API is provided in the platform abstraction layer to enable the host-side to call the validation function.

To address the delay on start-up, in one embodiment the host includes a host start-up module that essentially mirrors the dialog of the client security module in requesting an unlock password. Accordingly, on start-up the host start-up module displays a user input dialog screen to prompt the user to enter a valid password. Once the user enters a password, the host calls the client-side validation function through the platform abstraction layer and passes it the entered password. The validation function determines whether or not the password is valid and returns an answer to the host start-up module. If the password is valid, then the host start-up module notifies the host security module and the host-side is unlocked. In some embodiments, the client-side is not locked on start-up, so the full range of device applications is available once the host-side is unlocked. In another embodiment, the client-side is locked on start-up, so either the validation function or the host start-up module notify the client security module that a valid password has been entered so that the client-side is also unlocked once the client-side applications have been initialized. It will be understood that the host start-up module may comprise a part of the host security module. The client security module may be configured to suppress its password dialog screen on start-up on the assumption that password input will be handled by the host-side in this situation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows, in flowchart form, a method 300 for unlocking a mobile device on start-up. The method 300 begins in step 302 with the start-up or powering-on of the device. In the present embodiment, the device powers on with a host lock in place, meaning that the user cannot access the host or client applications.

On start-up the host launches the host start-up module, which may comprise a portion of the host security module, to display a password dialog to solicit user password input, as shown in step 304. The device awaits user input in this state. In one embodiment, the device may have a cancel option, or may timeout while waiting for user input, as shown in step 306. If so, then the host security module 308 may display a security screen in step 308 and await a keystroke in step 310 before re-displaying the password dialog to solicit user password input.

If a password is received, then in step 312 the device evaluates whether it is a valid password. In particular, the host start-up module (or host security module) calls the validation function through an API provided via the platform abstraction layer and passes the received passwords. A result is returned indicating whether or not the entered password is valid. If it is not valid, then in step 314 the host start-up module assesses whether the user should be permitted to retry. As outlined above, there may be a predefined maximum number of attempts permitted. If the maximum number is exceeded, then certain “kill device” operations may be implemented in step 316.

If the password is valid, then in step 318 the host-side of the device is unlocked. As noted above, in many embodiments, the client-side will not be locked on start-up, meaning that only the host-side must be unlocked. If the client-side is locked on start-up, then the method 300 includes a further step (not shown) in which the host start-up module (or host security module) calls a client unlock API to instruct the client security module to unlock the client-side of the device.

Reference is again made to FIG. 2. The client operating system layer 74 is shown to include a data encryption component 80 and a password validator 84. As discussed above in connection with FIG. 4, the password validator 84 may validate or authenticate an input password by comparing the input password with stored password data. The password validator 84 may return a success or failure indicator. As described above, the host security module 62 or host start-up module may call the password validator 84 through an API provided by the platform abstraction layer 64 and may pass the password validator 84 user authorization input received through a dialog box.

The data encryption component 80 provides for the encryption and decryption of the client data 82. The data encryption component 80 operates under the control of the client security module 74. When the client security module 74 determines that the device 10 should be unlocked, then the client security module 74 instructs the data encryption component 80 to decrypt the client data 82. Similarly, when the client security module 74 determines that the device 10 should be locked, then it instructs the data encryption component 80 to encrypt the client data 82.

In one embodiment, the client data 82 is encrypted and decrypted using the user password. The user password may be an encryption key or a seed value for obtaining an encryption key. The various types of possible encryption engines and techniques will be familiar to those ordinarily skilled in the art. In such an embodiment, to perform decryption of client data 82, the client security module 74 invokes the data encryption component 80 while passing it the validated user password that was input through a dialog box.

As noted above, on start-up of the device 10, the virtual machine 72 may take a significant period of time to become operational. In some embodiments, the host side of the device 10 may be available in a matter of seconds, whereas the virtual machine 72 may take a number of minutes to complete initialization and be available to respond to unlock requests. As a result, a user may be required to wait for an unacceptably long delay before the device 10 is available.

To address this concern, in one embodiment the host-side of the device 10 provides the user with partial functionality, i.e. only the host applications, until the client-side is operational at which point the full functionality of the device 10 is made available to the user. Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which shows a further embodiment of a method 400 for unlocking a mobile device on start-up.

The method 400 begins in step 402 with the powering on of the device. In step 404, the host operating system has launched the host security module (or host start-up module), and it provides the user with a dialog box for receiving user authentication input, such as a password. Once the user inputs a password, then in step 406 the host security module (or start-up module) passes the user input to the client operating system. In particular, the host security module requests validation of the user input by calling a password validation function through a designated API. Through the API, the host security module passes the user input to the client operating system, where the password validator evaluates whether the user input corresponds to stored user authentication data. For example, the password validator may compare the user input to a stored user password. The password validator indicates whether the password has been validated. A success or failure indicator may be returned to the host security module (or start-up module) in response to the API call, as shown in step 408. If the password is invalid, then the method 400 returns to step 404 to allow the user to re-attempt the password input through the displayed dialog box. If the password is validated, then the method 400 continues at step 410.

At step 410, the host security module unlocks the host-side of the device. In other words, it provides the user with access to the host applications. This may include, in one embodiment, cellular telephone functions and related actions.

In step 412, the client operating system may store the user authentication input that was sent by the host security module for validation. This may include writing the user input to a memory location or register, or storing the information in an object or other data item. In some embodiments, the validated user authentication input is already stored in a pre-established memory location, so no further act of storage is required at this step. In some embodiments, the user authentication input is not required by the client security module to unlock the device, so it may not be retained.

In step 414, the client operating system may notify the virtual machine of the validated unlock request received from the host security module. The client operating system does not await a response to the notification or request sent by the client operating system to the virtual machine, since the virtual machine is likely too busy to respond to the request. The notice or request may remain pending while the virtual machine completes its initialization. The notice or request may be sent by the password validator, or may be triggered as a part of the API called by the host security module to verify the user input. In one embodiment, the notice or request may be sent by the host security module once it receives confirmation that the password has been validated. In one embodiment, the notice or request may include the user authentication input, especially if it was not stored to memory in step 412.

While the virtual machine is busy, the host applications on the host side of the device are available to the user. Accordingly, any user requests to access functionality specific to the host-side of the device are permitted. As shown in steps 416 and 418, any user requests to access data or applications on the client-side of the device are denied. The client data 82 remains encrypted at this stage and the client applications are not accessible to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface provided upon the display of the device may be limited to host applications. In other words, the icons, menus or other mechanisms by which the user can select or trigger applications or operations may be limited to host-side applications or operations. Client-related icons or menu items may be made unavailable to the user at this stage.

Once the virtual machine is fully launched, then in step 420 it recognizes the notice or request to unlock the client-side that was pending and the virtual machine launches the client security module. The launch of the client security module may be triggered by the pending request, i.e. the request may be an unlock request that causes launch of the client security module. In step 421, the client security module obtains the stored user authentication input (if necessary). In some embodiments, the client security module may clear the memory of the stored user authentication input at the same time, so that it may not be read or used again without having the user re-enter the authentication input.

In some embodiments, it may not be necessary to obtain the stored authentication data because, for example, the user authentication input was contained in the notice or request that triggered launch of the client security module and is therefore already available, or, in another embodiment, the client security module may not need the user authentication input to unlock the device.

In step 422, the client security module unlocks the client side of the device by, for example, decrypting the client data. In one embodiment, as described above, the client data may be encrypted and decrypted using the user authentication input as part of the encoding scheme. In this embodiment, the client security module may require the validated user authentication input to unlock the device.

In one embodiment, the encryption or decryption functions are performed by an encryption/decryption engine or component within the client operating system. To perform decryption of the client data, the client security module may call or invoke this engine or component and pass it the user authentication input for user in decrypting the client data.

When the unlocking procedure is complete, the client security module 424 may notify the host security module, as shown in step 424. The full functionality of the device is now available to the user, including access to the client data and client applications. In one embodiment, this may be manifested by the display of corresponding icons or menu items.

The above-described embodiments of the present application are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the application, which is defined by the claims appended hereto. 

1. A method for unlocking a mobile electronic device, the method comprising: initiating start-up of the device which triggers launch of a virtual machine on a client operating system on the device, after the initiation of start-up of the device and before completion of the launch of the virtual machine, passing a user authentication input from a host-side of the device to the client operating system with a validation request; the client operating system authenticating the user authentication input and notifying the host-side of a successful authentication; the host-side unlocking access to at least one host application running on the host-side to enable access to the at least one host application.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising, following authenticating of the user authentication input, notifying the virtual machine of a validated unlock request received from the host security module.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein notifying the virtual machine comprises the client operating system notifying the virtual machine.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the client operating system does not await a response to notifying the virtual machine.
 5. The method of claim 3 further comprising the notifying the virtual machine remaining pending while the virtual machine completes its initialization.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising, following authenticating of the user authentication input, the client operating system, through a password validator, authenticating the user authentication input and notifying the virtual machine of a validated unlock request.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein client operating system authenticating comprises authenticating the user authentication input through an application programming interface called by a host security module of the host-side to validate the user input.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the client operating system notifying the virtual machine of a validated unlock request through the application programming interface called by the host security module of the host-side to verify the user input.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising, following authenticating of the user authentication input, a host security module of the host-side notifying the virtual machine of a validated unlock request.
 10. The method of claim 2 wherein notifying the virtual machine further comprises including the user authentication input.
 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the client operating system storing the user authentication input.
 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising notifying the virtual machine of a request to unlock a client-side of the device, and the virtual machine recognizing the request following completion of launch of the virtual machine.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising storing the user authentication input and, following the virtual machine recognizing the request, a client security module of the client-side obtaining the stored user authentication input.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising clearing memory of the stored user authentication input following obtaining the stored user authentication input by the client security module. 